Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Alvaro Obregon (Santa Cruz), Mexico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin under the vibrant sun. Understanding UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and ensuring long-term skin health, particularly in this tropical climate that experiences significant solar exposure. With peak UV Index readings soaring to 14 around midday, locals and visitors alike need to stay informed. Being proactive about sun safety can make all the difference in enjoying the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding against harmful UV rays.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of intensity, peaking at 14 around 1 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning hours remain safe, with values at 1 until 9 AM, but as the sun climbs, so does the UV intensity—reaching 10 by 11 AM. The height of danger occurs during the afternoon when the index soars to its maximum, 13 at 12 PM and 14 at 1 PM, before gradually declining to 4 by 5 PM. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops significantly, returning to 1 by 6 PM. It's crucial to stay protected, especially during the midday hours when the sun's rays are the strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking predominantly during the summer months. From January to March, the UV Index escalates from 9 (very high) to a peak of 13 (extreme) in April, consistent through July before gradually tapering off in the fall. High-risk months are marked from February to October, with particularly extreme values observed from March to September. During these months, the recommended burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially in April through September when UV levels are highest. As a general rule, remain vigilant about UV exposure year-round, as even in November and December, the UV Index remains high at 9 and 8, necessitating protective measures.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alvaro Obregon (Santa Cruz) | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Guadalajara UVI | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Iztapalapa UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Ecatepec de Morelos UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Mexico City UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |